‘Deep disappointment’ for Fr Molloy’s family as new probe ruled out

There will be no further inquiries into the controversial death of Fr Niall Molloy, following an independent examination of the garda investigation

By Tom Brady

His family said they were “deeply disappointed” following the report by Dominic McGinn SC. He was appointed by the Government to take a fresh look at the garda review of the investigation following articles by journalist Gemma O’Doherty.

Last night, the McGinn report recommended that another inquiry would not be warranted. It concluded that some of the concerns expressed about the garda investigation were not supported by the evidence.

“We’re deeply disappointed that an inquiry has been ruled out,” said Fr Molloy’s nephew Bill Maher.

“As far as the family is concerned, it doesn’t stop here. If we can, and we have to, we will go to Europe, if we have to go down that road.”

Fr Molloy’s body was found in the home of Richard and Theresa Flynn at Kilcoursey House, Clara, Co Offaly, on July 8, 1985.

A garda file was sent to the DPP and Mr Flynn was charged with manslaughter and assault.

But at his trial, the jury was directed to find him not guilty.

Other allegations that surfaced since then have resulted in a major controversy surrounding the death.

But Mr McGinn concluded that, given the passage of time, the death of so many pertinent witnesses and the reluctance of others to give evidence, it was unlikely any further inquiry would have a reasonable prospect of establishing the truth.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said she accepted his recommendation – while fully appreciating that it would cause disappointment for Fr Molloy’s family and campaigners. She hoped they would accept that every effort was made to answer as many questions as possible.

Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan said she hoped the report would bring some comfort to Fr Molloy’s family and it had also vindicated some of the work of the garda review team.

But she felt that, 30 years on, it was unlikely that inquiries would shed any new light.

The report sets out some shortcomings in the original garda investigation – while acknowledging the precise events surrounding the priest’s death could not now be ascertained.

One of the unanswered questions is the precise time at which Fr Molloy sustained his injuries. Another question mark lies over the significant delay in calling the authorities.

The calm attitude of Richard Flynn when the gardaí arrived was a feature of the case which many would find inexplicable, said Mr McGinn. But without knowing more about Mr Flynn’s usual demeanour, it was impossible to say if this was out of character.

In light of Richard Flynn admitting he struck Fr Molloy, the directed acquittal at his trial was extraordinary, Mr McGinn found. While much criticism had been directed at the trial judge, Frank Roe, the report said the decision might have been partly attributable to the concessions made by State Pathologist Dr John Harbison under cross-examination.

Mr McGinn said it was clear that the Flynn family enjoyed friendships with people involved in politics, some of them at the highest level. But there was no evidence to substantiate a contention that these were used to their advantage.